Current and Resistors

Recommended for High School.

Introduction

When electricity flows through an object or material, charged particles get a push from the potential difference, or voltage, applied to the material. In many cases, the more voltage there is, the more flow, or current there is.

The flow of charged particles is different from the flow of water in a river or pipe. Typically, all the material in a river or pipe is moving together, and only rubs against the riverbed or the walls of the pipe. But charged particles often move through solid materials, such as copper, carbon, and tungsten.

In this activity, you will investigate how different resistors in a circuit affect voltage and current.